Peters awarded drug collection box grant

Published Aug 9, 2013 at 2:00 pm
(Updated Aug 9, 2013 at 2:00 pm)

One of Peters Township police Chief Harry Fruecht’s goal is to get as many unwanted and unused prescription drugs out of the medicine cabinets and into drug collection boxes as possible. So, when he discovered a grant program through the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators Inc. in Lutherville, Md., he applied June 18.

The township was awarded one large white collection box, which was delivered several days ago.

The new collection container replaces a blue mail box in the lobby of the police station.

Twice a year, local police departments hold a Take Back the Drugs event, where officers man several collection locations.

With the collection box in the lobby, Fruecht said any time the department is open, medications may be dropped off and there is no need for an officer to be stationed nearby. The lobby is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. When the building is closed at night and on weekends, the area is alarmed and secure.

“This service is available to get rid of unwanted medication,” he said.

Items to be dropped off include pills and liquid medication. Syringes or needles of any type, including EpiPens, will not be accepted.

When the box begins to fill, Fruecht said the detectives remove the medication and store it in the secured evidence locker until collection during one of the Take Back days. The next is scheduled for October.

The grant from NADDI was for one box. However, Fruecht notified about 10 surrounding police departments that take part in the semi-annual drug collection and hopes some will also apply for the grant.